cependant
/sə.pɑ̃.dɑ̃/
The French word for 'however' is cependant.
Meaning: no matter how (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, cependant is composed of ce (this) and pendant (during), originally meaning 'during this' or 'meanwhile'.
Which one should you use?
While cependant is a neutral way to say 'however', pourtant is used when the contrast is more surprising or contradictory, similar to 'and yet'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adverb 'however' often comes at the beginning of a sentence in French.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of cependant is /sə.pɑ̃.dɑ̃/. It has three syllables.
Did you know?
- The word pendant, which forms part of cependant, is also the French word for 'during' and 'hanger'.
- In modern spoken French, cependant is often replaced by mais (but) or par contre, as cependant can sound overly academic in a cafe or at home.
- The shift from the phrase ce pendant to the single word cependant is a linguistic process called univerbation.
Examples in context
- Tu fais une erreur, cependant.You're making a mistake, however.This sentence shows how to use cependant at the end of a sentence.Tatoeba #8571851 by Aiji, translation #7051125 by AlanF_US
- Cependant, je n'ai pas d'argent.However, I have no money.This sentence demonstrates using cependant at the beginning of a sentence.Tatoeba #430863 by chtof, translation #53632 by orcrist
- Cependant, je pourrais me tromper.However, I could be mistaken.This sentence shows how to use cependant to introduce a possibility.Tatoeba #7967348 by Aiji, translation #7627793 by AlanF_US
- Il a répondu à toutes nos questions. Néanmoins, ses explications étaient insatisfaisantes.He answered all our questions. However, his explanations were unsatisfactory.
- Nous devons assister à la réunion. Toutefois, nous devons terminer notre travail avant midi.We have to attend the meeting. However, we need to finish our work before noon.
- La situation économique est préoccupante. Cependant, nous devons être optimistes.The economic situation is worrying. However, we need to remain optimistic.
- J'adore voyager. Par contre, je déteste les longs trajets en avion.I love traveling. However, I hate long flights.
- J'aimerais sortir ce soir. Mais bon, il faut étudier pour l'examen demain.I would like to go out tonight. However, I have to study for tomorrow's exam.
- Il a promis de venir te voir. Toutefois, il n'est pas encore arrivé, donc que faire maintenant ?He promised to come see you. However, he hasn't arrived yet, so what do we do now?
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are discussing a difficult project.
- LéaLe projet est difficile, cependant on peut réussir.The project is difficult, however we can succeed.
- GabrielTu as raison, mais il nous faudra du temps.You are right, but we will need time.
- LéaCependant, nous devons commencer dès maintenant.However, we must start right now.
- GabrielJe suis d'accord, on s'y met tout de suite.I agree, let's get to it immediately.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cependant, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cependant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
